yogi – theatre artist – mom

February’s Intention: Get Healthier

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. – Benjamin Franklin

One thing that became more apparent during my month-long exploration of solitude is the need for me to get healthier. I don’t mean to lose weight or start a new diet or anything like that (though losing weight would be nice, too). The biggest concern remains my blood pressure. I’ve also been dealing with high anxiety levels. There are doctors involved and larger doses of medication to lower my blood pressure. Certainly, life changes bring on stress, and I’m sure that’s a piece of the puzzle. So, February, the month of love is going to be spent focusing on getting healthier so that I’m around to give love for a long time.

To get healthier, I’m taking these steps in February:

I signed up for 40 Days at the yoga studio. I did it last year and it was an amazing start to the best year of my life. It will also give me a framework for setting goals (part of the program) and get me back to the studio.

I will practice yoga at least three times per week.

I will add a secondary exercise (one with additional cardio) to the mix at least once a week.

After two months of festivities (first the holidays and then my 40th birthday!) I want to focus on what I’m putting into my body. So, I will cut alcohol consumption to no more than twice per week. I will also start adding in more vegetables. My diet is pretty limited and I don’t get nearly enough veggies. I would like to get 4 servings per day. That would be huge for me.

I commit to adding meditation back into my life at least five times per week.

I’m going to bed at a decent hour. I like to read before going to sleep, so I’m planning to be in bed by 9:30 reading.

I’m going to walk the dog four times per week. It’s not just for him – the sunlight does me good. Winter (even winter in Texas) is really hard for me. I need sunlight to feel energized.

I’m going to tackle some nagging tasks. None of them is earth-shattering but they need to happen and I keep putting them off which, in turn, leads to more anxiety and stress. First up is finishing the materials for the nonprofit I’m starting (I have bits and pieces, logos, and a website shell that all just need to be finished) and submitting my CV for additional teaching gigs at universities in the area.

I’m setting time each week for Brett and I to dosomething fun together. Now that I’m not working 80 hours a week, we can actually see one another, which has been awesome. We spend more time talking and have spent a lot of time working on the house. Working on the house has been great, but it’s time for us to branch out and do other things.